Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-06-28
The convention Of Maryland Knights Of labor

The convention OF Maryland Knights OF labor
In Baltimore yesterday, held for the purpose OF
formulating laws in abors interest TO be presented
10 the state legislature. suggested In It's dis
eussions numerous subjects Of proposed legisa-
tion concerning which there seemed TO be sub
stantial agreement. It was desired by various
speakers 10 abolish 'the present unjust ana perni
cious ground rent system TO make all violations OF
criminal law uniformly punishable by imprfsOn-
ment so that rfch criminals may not 60 practically
unpublished, 20 compel inspection OF factories and
protection In life and limb TO employees, TO secure
an increase In the maintenance OF the bureau Of
labor statistics to require the state TO print cleo
ton tickets free for the people, TO prohibit the
creation Of public debts to prohibit child labor
under the age OF fifteen years, 70 make September
9Th ARTISANS Day legal holiday, 70 declare
legal half holiday for saturday, 20 compel corpora
tions and firms TO pay employees weekly, TO
abolish the law permitting attachments
upon the wages OF working people, and
10 secure school system which shall
educate both head and hand and neither alonei
There were Indications OF an inclination on the
part Of some members to follow Henry George In
the path which, he says, he and the socialists are
for the present treading together, and few Of the
suggestions made Will seem trifitng or unw1Se.
But the reported speeches indicate that the body
was, as a whole, conservative, thoughtful and
level-headed. From appearances there Will be no
great 0lculty In the present condition or political
parties IN securing labor legislation in any state,
and the main precaution required from the
labor men will be TO refrain from mourning
responsibility for hasty, foolish and destructive
legislation. and 70 see that the laws urged after
due elaboration, so framed TO stand the at
tacks Of corporations and the inspection OF the
courts even though some lawyer must be recalled
from the exile 10 which he has been consigned by
the K. Of L In order TO perform this service Such
conventions as that in Maryland, IN which the de-
sires OF workingmen are given voice, viii always
be OF interest to persons who desire TO be JUST and
win be OF steadily increasing significance to
the politicians as the time OF the autumn
elections approaches. The labor movement win
then show It's powers In the direction Of coercion
in o number OF states and especially In New York.
II Henry George and the socialfstic element con-
tinue To keep step. as they doubtless Will, and II
he various matters of contention between power
ful component5 OF the united labor party are
settled or held In allegiance, and II Mr.. McGlynn's
prophecy o: labor vote OF 100, 600 in New York
and Brooklyn is substantially realized, the labor
men will be overwhelmed with laws thrown to
them as sops by the politicians Even the District
OF Columbia then, perhaps, might secure modern
code OF laws from Congress by the mastery
strategy OF reorganiz1ng its citizen associations as
assemblies Of the labor party and causing them to
demand legislation and relief in that capacity.